Somalia The Armed Forces in National Life
http://www.photius.com/countries/somalia/national_security/somalia_national_security_the_armed_forces_in_~1632.html
Sources: The Library of Congress Country Studies; CIA World Factbook

The armed forces traditionally had enjoyed considerable prestige in Somali society. The military's early popularity was reflected in the fact that its numbers were maintained without resort to conscription. Chronic manpower shortages, however, compelled the government to institute a draft in 1984 (see Manpower, Training, and Conditions of Service , this ch.). For most of its postindependence history, the military had been involved in conflicts against its neighbors or against domestic insurgent groups.

NOTE: The information regarding Somalia on this page is re-published from The Library of Congress Country Studies and the CIA World Factbook. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Somalia The Armed Forces in National Life information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Somalia The Armed Forces in National Life should be addressed to the Library of Congress and the CIA.